Architecture for Youth! MAF Launches its Educational YouTube Channel

05/19/2020

Michigan Architectural Foundation (MAF) is pleased to announce the launch of its ‘Architecture for Youth’ You Tube Channel. The channel, created by MAF’s K12 Committee, features two free architecture-based educational programming initiatives developed and supported by the MAF K12 committee, MAF board members, and affiliates.

Architecture: it’s Elementary! is a multi-disciplinary educational curriculum designed to introduce students from kindergarten through grade five to architecture and the built environment. Developed by Michigan architects (with input from educators), the curriculum provides kids with critical STEAM-related learning opportunities, through lessons and activities that engage their minds, bodies, and imaginations. Activities include acting out structures, measuring, learning about animal habitats, drawing from memory, and putting on a play that imagines how cities began.

MAF’s Architecture for Youth YouTube Channel features an Architecture: it’s Elementary! program overview video, and a video that demonstrates  lessons in action in a real classroom. Lessons can be done at home with family members, or remotely, in a video conferencing session with friends or educators, or (in the future) as part of classroom, summer, or after school program. Download the free program guidebook and lessons here.

ArchiTreks is a program aimed at getting kids excited about architecture, science, and engineering through segments that take kids on neighborhood adventures to explore shapes, structures, landmarks, and preservation, and pique curiosity about their surroundings.

Created by MAF in partnership with Detroit Public Television (DPTV), each of the four ArchiTreks video segments on MAF’s Architecture for Youth YouTube Channel feature fun activities that can be done at home or on a neighborhood walk with parents, siblings, or (in the future) with friends. Along the way, kids can discover architectural treasures, and learn more about gravity’s role in architecture, architecture’s role in their neighborhoods, and more.

Visit the ‘Resources for Kids’ page on MAF’s website for additional information on both programs.

Studies show thought processes that nurture creativity and critical thinking begin at a young age. Both MAF’s Architecture: it’s Elementary! and ArchiTreks were designed to help foster those processes, through quality architecture-based interactive learning experiences and fun activities kids want to do.

Take advantage of MAF’s fun and FREE educational resources for kids on MAF’s Architecture for Youth YouTube channel. Be sure to like the videos, subscribe to the channel, and visit the channel again in the future for additional architecture-related educational resources for children.